PressWise
PressWise is an all-in-one print management software that integrates web-to-print, MIS, and workflow automation into a single cloud-based platform to streamline your entire print production shop from order to delivery.
Tharstern
Tharstern provides a specialized management information system designed to help print, packaging, and labeling companies automate their entire production workflow from initial quoting through to final distribution.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | PressWise | Tharstern |
|---|---|---|
| Website | presswise.com | thartstern.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Custom |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2003 | 1984 |
| Headquarters | Alpharetta, USA | Colne, United Kingdom |
Overview
PressWise
PressWise provides a unified platform to manage your entire print operation without switching between disconnected tools. You can handle everything from initial web-to-print ordering and automated quoting to production tracking and final shipping within a single interface. By centralizing your data, you eliminate manual entry errors and gain real-time visibility into every job moving through your shop.
The software is designed specifically for commercial printers who need to process a high volume of small jobs profitably. You can automate repetitive tasks like pre-flighting, imposition, and customer notifications, allowing your team to focus on high-value production. Whether you are a small digital shop or a large commercial enterprise, the platform scales to help you reduce touches per job and increase your overall throughput.
Tharstern
Tharstern is a comprehensive Management Information System (MIS) built specifically for the unique demands of the printing and packaging industries. You can move away from manual spreadsheets and disconnected tools by centralizing your entire operation into a single platform. It allows you to manage complex estimating, live job tracking, and inventory levels with real-time data, ensuring your shop floor stays synchronized with your front office.
You can use the platform to automate repetitive administrative tasks and gain deep insights into your profit margins on every job. Whether you specialize in digital, litho, large format, or labels, the software adapts to your specific manufacturing processes. It helps you reduce touchpoints in your workflow, allowing your team to process more orders in less time while maintaining high accuracy in your job costing.
Overview
PressWise Features
- Web-to-Print Storefronts Launch unlimited custom branded storefronts for your clients so they can place orders and proof designs online 24/7.
- Automated Estimating Generate instant, accurate quotes based on your specific shop standards and material costs to win more business faster.
- Production Dashboard Track every job in real-time with a visual status board that shows you exactly where items are in your workflow.
- Auto-Imposition Save time and reduce waste by letting the system automatically arrange your print jobs for the most efficient press runs.
- Integrated Shipping Generate shipping labels and tracking numbers directly within the platform to speed up your fulfillment process and notify customers.
- Mail Management Process direct mail jobs efficiently with built-in tools for list cleansing, CASS certification, and automated postal sorting.
Tharstern Features
- Smart Estimating. Generate accurate quotes in seconds for complex print jobs by automatically calculating material costs, labor, and machine time.
- Live Job Tracking. Monitor the real-time status of every project on your shop floor so you can provide customers with instant updates.
- Inventory Management. Track your paper stock and consumables automatically to prevent production delays and reduce waste from over-ordering.
- CRM & Sales. Manage your customer relationships and sales pipeline within the same system used for production and billing.
- Automated Scheduling. Optimize your press room schedule with drag-and-drop tools that account for machine availability and job deadlines.
- Business Intelligence. Access visual dashboards that show your most profitable jobs and identify bottlenecks in your manufacturing process.
Pricing Comparison
PressWise Pricing
Tharstern Pricing
Pros & Cons
PressWise
Pros
- Eliminates the need for separate MIS and web-to-print tools
- Significantly reduces manual touchpoints for high-volume small jobs
- Cloud-based access allows you to manage production from anywhere
- Automated pre-flighting catches file errors before they hit the press
Cons
- Initial setup requires significant time for accurate data entry
- User interface feels dated compared to modern consumer apps
- Learning curve for staff transitioning from manual paper tickets
Tharstern
Pros
- Highly specialized for complex print and packaging requirements
- Excellent integration capabilities with prepress and production hardware
- Detailed reporting provides deep visibility into job profitability
- Responsive customer support team with deep industry knowledge
Cons
- Significant time investment required for initial system configuration
- Learning curve is steep due to the extensive feature set
- Pricing is high compared to generic small-business software